East Lothian Council has voiced its concerns about the impact on jobs and services in the county resulting from the proposed merger of Lloyds TSB and Halifax Bank of Scotland (HBOS).

Council Leader David Berry has written to Susan Rice, Chief Executive of Lloyds TSB Scotland, to express his support for the Scottish Government's 'national statement of concern' and offer to work with the bank to minimise any impact to the East Lothian economy resulting from the proposed merger.

Councillor Berry said: “There are five branches of each bank in East Lothian which between them employ around 80 people in well-paying jobs, and together with a significant number of residents commuting to banking jobs in Edinburgh, both banks contribute significantly to the local economy.

“East Lothian Council offers to work with Lloyds TSB to minimise job losses and secure branch services for residents and businesses.”

ENDS

Issued by Rob Sinclair, Communications and Marketing, 25 September 2008
T. 01620 82 7741 M. 07887675547 Email rsinclair@eastlothian.gov.uk